F4: Jamie Caroline And Fortec Motorsports Join Forces To Take F4 British Championship Challenge Up A Gear

Fan favourite Jamie Caroline switches from Jamun Racing to Fortec Motorsports in a move that could prove pivotal in the Ford EcoBoost-powered championship.

8 JUNE, 2016 – Jamie Caroline is to race the remainder of the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford season for Fortec Motorsports. The news comes after a hugely promising start to the 2016 campaign with Jamun for last year’s Ginetta Junior Champion. His electrifying starts, audacious overtaking manoeuvres and numerous battles through the field have captured the imagination of many, seeing Caroline become a real hit with fans.

His father Lee Caroline, who is no stranger to motorsport success as 2003 TVR Tuscan Challenge Champion gives a fascinating insight into his son’s season so far: “In December it didn’t even look like Jamie would be racing because the budget wasn’t there. Then Jamun got Keltbray sponsorship for the team and we also had Pirtek come on board.

“Without Jamun and Keltbray at the start of the season we wouldn’t have even been on the grid so I just want to express how grateful we are to them.

“Because we have had a good showing in the first part of the year and unfortunately Ross Martin has lost his seat at Fortec due to budgetary reasons; it has put us in a positon where Fortec would really like us to help them take the fight to Carlin.

“Jamie has got quite a few fans now. It’s funny really because you see people walking around with flags and things with Jamie on it. A lot of that is thanks to the Pirtek relationship and how great the car looks in their colours.

“People within motorsport know we are on a limited budget and therefore we haven’t been able to do much testing, but you look back at the races at Donington and Thruxton this season and Jamie has made them exciting. I’m proud he’s doing so well in the F4 British Championship.”

Caroline currently lies eighth in the standings with 95 points and 4 podiums to his name. The Warlingham racer is still very much in contention for the title with 18 rounds remaining. He will no doubt be hoping that the switch to powerhouse team Fortec Motorsports, who have already helped super-talented rookie Alex Quinn to his maiden British F4 victory, can make his title ambitions a reality.

Added EDGE Sporting Management who have played a pivotal role in guiding Caroline through his motorsport success: “There’s an element of sadness with Jamun not carrying on this season. They’ve been very successful in this world of Ford powered single-seat motorsport for a very long time. It was nice to end on a high with James [Mundy] and his Jamun team with two podiums at Oulton Park.

“Going forward it’s going to be exciting to see what Jamie can do with a big team like Fortec who have done a particularly good job with Quinn this year. It will be interesting to see what Jamie can bring to the table and what Fortec can give to Jamie. It should hopefully be a good partnership. They have been testing this week at Anglesey and I’m hoping that will help to accelerate the development of the relationship.”

The move represents something of a coup for Richard Dutton’s Fortec Motorsport’s team. Caroline’s performances have caught the eye of many in the motorsport fraternity. He will be a welcome addition to a team which boasts an enviable wealth of rookie talent in the form of Nicolai Kjaergaard and Frank Bird who race alongside Quinn.

Commented Fortec Motorsports team manager Dan Mitchell: “We’re really happy to have Jamie with us. It was a shame things couldn’t come together for Ross Martin, but luckily Jamie was available.

“Jamie has shown great pace and we hope to be able to put him on the top step of the podium pretty soon. He knows Frank Bird from Ginettas last year. They get on really well. I think he will work brilliantly with Alex too. They will help push each other.

“Carlin seem pretty strong. They are 1-2-3 in the championship at the moment and it would be good for us to get to the front. Jamie can helps us do that. I think we can start off on the right foot at Croft on 18/19 June and be strong from the outset.”